Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

One or two bad games can’t finish you but doubts do creep in: Kuldeep

One or two bad games can’t finish you but doubts do creep in: Kuldeep

INDIA spinner Kuldeep Yadav begs to differ from sceptics who were ready to write his cricketing epitaph after a few bad performances but feels self-doubt does creep in when a player is being overlooked for long periods.

Kuldeep, who was an automatic choice till the 2019 World Cup, is not in the main team's scheme of things at the moment.


Many felt that his 0/84 against England in Pune earlier this year had spelt doom for the 26-year-old player from Kanpur.

"I never felt that my white ball career was finished after that England game. There are times that you will go for runs. I have had four and five-wicket hauls and it would be better if people start talking about those achievements too," Kuldeep told the media after an impressive 2/48 against Sri Lanka in the first ODI on Sunday (18).

"One or two bad games don't finish one's career. I believe all who have played the game and have knowledge of the game are aware of that fact.

"The track in Pune (during the England series) was very good for batting and spinners didn't have much help. It can happen that a wicket doesn't suit you," said Kuldeep, who has 107 wickets from 64 ODIs.

Kuldeep has been in and around the squad without much game time and that does have its ill effects.

"It's a difficult life in a bubble and more so when you are not playing as self-doubts creep in. A lot of people want to help you, speak to you but when you speak to too many people, you create a new type of doubts," he said.

However, he accepts that in a team sport, one has to be patient as chances might not readily come one's way.

He was under pressure before the first ODI but coach Rahul Dravid's words of wisdom helped him soothe his nerves.

"Pressure and nervousness will always be there when you play after a long time and I was playing after a long time. It happens as you are keen to do well.

"Initially, Rahul sir backed me a lot, motivated me, he told me a lot of things but most importantly that I needed to enjoy my game... I am happy that it worked."

One of the key changes that he has brought after a poor run of form for India and KKR is varying the pace of his deliveries which was evident against the Lankan batsmen.

"I have brought about some changes because, during the first innings, it was slow and dry with turn on offer. I was varying the pace as per the batsman I was bowling to.

"There were times when I tried to flight the ball and there were times when I increased the pace of my deliveries. My idea was to ensure that batsmen don't settle down to one particular pace."

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less